Nose: Lightly fruity with soft peach, pear, apple, citrus and a little vanilla. You can certainly smell good oak at work and there is that distinctive ethanol nose from grain whisky. Palate: Featuring exactly the same elements as the nose, the arrival is soft and fruity then turning mildly spicy in the development as a little ginger shows up. Finish: Short, but there are some lingering oak notes. The spicy/peppery kick from the development flows through into the finish. This was the first Compass Box whisky I tried and to begin with I was not much impressed. It seemed thin and lacking in both the nose and palate at first, however over time I came to appreciate it. I didn't like this so much neat but when used as a mixer the spicyness and oak notes give the spirit body and stop it being overpowered. In a highball this is not unlike some Japanese blended whiskies, with a subtle but slightly spicy character that is refreshing and enjoyable. There is also a floral note that emerges when it is diluted. It's very classy and different to most traditional "old-school" blended scotch in that it has a fresh and uncomplicated character. It reminded me of a cleaner and more zesty Ballantine's Finest. The only issue is the price, which puts it in the same league as some good middle-shelf single malts. If you are looking for an impressive and sophisticated whisky to use primarily or exclusively as a mixer this would be a good choice, but don't expect it to be heavy or richly flavoured - quality, refinement and elegance are the keywords. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)